According to a new research, computer gaming might produce life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in vulnerable children. This particular skill may have previously been unreported.
Children who lose consciousness while playing video games have a strange yet unique pattern, according to the researchers.
The findings of this study have been published in the journal of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society.
"Video games may pose a significant risk to some children with arrhythmic conditions," according to a leading researcher. Claire M. Lawley, MBBS, PhD, The Heart Centre for Children, Sydney Children''s Hospitals Network, Australia. "Children who suddenly lose consciousness while electronic gaming should be examined by a heart specialist, claiming that this may be the first sign of a serious heart problem.
The investigators conducted a systematic review of literature and initiated a multisite international outreach initiative to identify cases of children with sudden loss of consciousness while playing video games. Across the 22 cases they discovered, multiplayer war gaming was the most common trigger. Some children died following a cardiac arrest. Types 1 and 2 of catecholaminergic tachycardia (CPVT) and congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) were the most common underlying causes.
One study of a child who lost consciousness during video gaming was conducted to discover an important familial heart rhythm problem. "In some cases, family members and healthcare organizations should consider safety precautions when dealing with dangerous fast cardiac rhythms.," said Dr. Lawley.
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"We already know that certain children may be at danger when playing competitive sports," Christian Turner, MBBS, The Heart Centre for Children, and The Sydney Children''s Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia. "Video gaming was something I previously thought would be a''safe activity.'' This is a real difference. We need to ensure everyone understands how important it is to get checked out when someone encounters a blacking out incident in these situations."
While this phenomenon isn''t a common theme, it is becoming more common. "I was stunned to discover how widespread this emerging presentation is, and to discover that a number of children had died from it," said the co-investigater.
"Exertion should be understood to encompass activities outside of traditional competitive athletics," Daniel Sohinki, MD, MSc, Department of Cardiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA, and other coauthors said. Appropriate counseling concerning the risks of intense video gameplay should be targeted in children with a pro-arrhythmic cardiac diagnosis, and in any child with a history of exertional syncope of undetermined etiology.